HBO Plays Ball with Will Ferrell

The premium-cable network has picked up a comedy series from Ferrell and McKay's production company, Gary Sanchez, about a washed-out ballplayer who returns to his hometown and takes the only job he can find: substitute gym teacher. "East Bound and Down" is the first TV series to get the green light for the company, which the Ferrell and McKay ("Anchorman," "Talladega Nights") founded last year.

HBO has picked up six episodes of the show, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Ferrell and McKay will serve as executive producers, along with Chris Henchy ("Entourage") and the show's three creators, Danny McBride, Jody Hill and Ben Best.

McBride ("Hot Rod") will also star in the show, playing the athlete-turned-gym teacher. The show will also feature John Hawkes ("Deadwood"), Katy Mixon ("The Quiet") and Andrew Daly ("Reno 911," Ferrell's upcoming "Semi-Pro").

"East Bound" is the second series HBO has picked up in recent months, joining "True Blood," a vampire drama from "Six Feet Under" creator Alan Ball.